glycogen

[ glahy-kuh-juhn, -jen ]

noun

, Biochemistry.

1. a white, tasteless polysaccharide, (C 6 H 10 O 5 ) n , molecularly similar to starch, constituting the principal carbohydrate storage material in animals and occurring chiefly in the liver, in muscle, and in fungi and yeasts.

glycogen

/ -dʒɛn; ˈɡlaɪkəʊdʒən; ˌɡlaɪkəʊˈdʒɛnɪk /

noun

1. a polysaccharide consisting of glucose units: the form in which carbohydrate is stored in the liver and muscles in man and animals. It can easily be hydrolysed to glucose Also calledanimal starch

glycogen

/ glī′kə-jən /

1. A polysaccharide stored in animal liver and muscle cells that is easily converted to glucose to meet metabolic energy requirements. Most of the carbohydrate energy stored in animal cells is in the form of glycogen.

Derived Forms

• glycogenic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of glycogen¹

First recorded in 1855–60; glyco- + -gen

Example Sentences

Unlike carbohydrates, which are stored in muscle and liver as glycogen, and fats, which are stored in adipose tissue, we have nowhere to store excess protein/amino acids.

From Salon

"When flies are starving, their bodies break down storage molecules such as glycogen and fats. With a defect of the enzyme chameau, this process no longer works as effectively," says Imhof.

From Science Daily

As these glycogen stores are used up, the body also releases a significant amount of water.

From Scientific American

During physical activity, the body primarily uses carbohydrate reserves, called glycogen, as its energy source.

From Salon

Our blood sugar drops and we use the glycogen stored in our muscles.

From Salon

Related Words

• cellulose
• glucose
• lactose
• starch
• sugar